Feature Stories

French Partnership Aims to Advance Equine Health

Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health) and The Hippolia Foundation — a network of leading French equine institutions — formed a strategic partnership in January 2012 to advance equine health through research and educational programs.

Hippolia and Zoetis collaborate to advance and accelerate innovation in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of equine disease, with a specific focus on respiratory disorders and infectious diseases. Both Hippolia and Zoetis are initially investing more than $5 million in the partnership over the next three years.

"Together, we have created a partnership that will leverage the diagnostic and scientific capabilities of what today is the largest equine research network worldwide," said Alejandro Bernal, Zoetis Area President, Europe/Africa/Middle East. "Both parties will benefit from the combined expertise and resources in the interests of accelerating pioneering equine research."

"This is an excellent example of a public/private initiative to advance our scientific knowledge and improve animal health and welfare," said Pierre Lekeux, President, The Hippolia Foundation.

Founded in 2011 and located in Normandy at the center of one of Europe's most recognized regions for competition horses, The Hippolia Foundation supports and promotes the development of research programs, training and services at an international level, particularly on issues of health, welfare and performance in horses.

The Normandy site conducts leading-edge research on racehorses (thoroughbred and standard-bred), as well as on sport horses. The Hippolia Foundation also has existing partnerships with hospitals.

Zoetis (zō-EH-tis), formerly the animal health business of Pfizer Inc., is a global animal health company dedicated to supporting our customers - veterinarians and livestock farmers - and their businesses in ever better ways. Building on 60 years of experience, we deliver quality medicines and vaccines, complemented by diagnostics products and genetics tests and supported by a range of services. We are working every day to better understand and address the real-world challenges faced by those who raise and care for animals in ways they find truly relevant.